Barbados Beef Stew

I would never want the burden of having a super-memory like Marilu Henner. No thank you! Let's just leave those fashion disasters, social faux pas, and bad haircuts where they belong -- in the past. However, if I could have selective super-memory, I'd choose to be able to recall every great recipe and dish I've ever tried. 

Off and on over the years I've thought, "I wonder whatever happened to that great beef stew recipe I got from that guy at work?"

I made it once, back in 1997, loved it, and somehow lost the written recipe.  Thanks to the Internet, I was finally able to find something similar, and now, after re-confirming its worthiness, am passing it along to you.

Did this dish really originate in Barbados? I've no idea. I'll check with Rihanna and get back to you. In the mean time, give it a try. It is hearty and delish and sure to satisfy as we approach those (DON'T SAY IT) crispy fall days. It's a yummy mix of savory and sweet and great over rice. Everyone liked it a lot, though two of the kids requested I remove the raisins for them. Oh well, all the more for me!

Barbados Beef Stew
Serves 6
Adapted from here and All Recipes.com

2 T. all-purpose flour
1/2 t. salt
1/2 t. celery salt
1/4 t. garlic powder
1/4 t. black pepper
3/4 t. ground ginger
1- 1/2 lbs stew beef
2 T. canola oil
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
2 medium Vidalia onions, chopped
1/3 c. cider vinegar
1/3 c. molasses
1- 1/2 c. water
4 carrots, chopped
1/2 c. raisins

1) Combine first six ingredients (flour through ground ginger) in a large plastic Ziploc-type bag. Add beef, seal, and shake to coat.
2) Heat oil in a large heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Add beef, and brown on all sides.
3) Add diced tomatoes, onions, vinegar, molasses, and water, and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 1-1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.
4) Add carrots and raisins and simmer for 30 minutes more, or until carrots are tender. Served with steamed rice.

I am sure this would translate well to a slow-cooker method. Just brown beef on the stove top, then add all ingredients to slow cooker and set to low for six-eight hours.

Enjoy!